Flynn Lives – A Physics QuestionWarning: Use of undefined constant template_directory - assumed 'template_directory' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /homepages/10/d87402808/htdocs/backporchbeer/wp-content/themes/andyblue/single.php on line 11

Around “0:50”:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su1JMJa3vlo#t=50 in the Tron “Flynn Lives”:http://www.flynnlives.com/media/video/0xendgame.aspx clip the rider pushes a button that appears to drop the bike. I presume this would do two things: (1) lower the center of gravity, improving cornering, and (2) decrease surface area exposed to the wind, decreasing drag and increasing speed. Why wouldn’t the bike just start out at that level? I can think of three possible reasons: (1) it’s less comfortable at the lower setting, (2) a longer wheel base would decrease(?) cornering (negating the lower center of gravity), and (3) decreased road visibility.

One Response to “Flynn Lives – A Physics Question”

Comment from kellymccollumTime July 28, 2009 at 6:23 pm

Looks like an ergonomics feature to me. The bike doesn’t drop very much. I think the raised position is just to make the handles a little easier to reach when mounting. Check out the yellow bike when he starts up again after the stop.